In the United States, cases of HMPV have been steadily rising . For comparison, flu cases accounted for 18.71% and COVID-19 for 7.10% of weekly positive tests. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the rise of HMPV in China but has stated that this is not currently a concern for the U.S.
HMPV, a respiratory virus that circulates mainly during the winter, is well-known among healthcare professionals. “This is the season when respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and HMPV tend to spread more,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “We spend more time indoors, and the holidays bring people together, making it easier for viruses to spread.”
What You Should Know About HMPV
What is HMPV?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that causes respiratory illnesses, both in the upper and lower respiratory tract. It was first identified in 2001 and is in the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). As diagnostic tools have improved, HMPV has become more commonly recognized by healthcare providers. Today, diagnostic tests can identify HMPV alongside other respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19.
Symptoms of HMPV
The incubation period for HMPV is typically 3 to 6 days. Common symptoms include cough, nasal congestion, fever, and shortness of breath. It can often be confused with other respiratory viruses, as the symptoms are similar. According to Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases specialist, “We usually don’t check for HMPV unless a patient is severely ill.”
HMPV is particularly concerning for young children and older adults, especially those aged 65 and older. These groups are at higher risk of developing complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
How Does HMPV Spread?
HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through close contact or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. In the U.S., cases of HMPV typically rise during the winter months and decline in the spring. Most people are exposed to the virus by the age of five, and while reinfections can occur, they are generally less severe.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
To reduce the spread of HMPV, it’s essential to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Additionally, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow can help prevent the virus from spreading. As with other respiratory viruses, staying home when feeling unwell and limiting travel during peak seasons can also help protect yourself and others.
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